Panel 4
Panel 4: Entrepreneurship in AI and Sustainable Development highlighted the essential role of youth in advancing sustainable development through technology and innovation. Moderated by Alex Kozyr, Sr. Director of Client Solutions at NIX United, the panel focused on how the younger generation can leverage AI, creativity, and activism to address global sustainability issues and create a greener future.
Lei Wu, Founder & CEO of Realix.ai and President of the Harvard University Asia-Pacific International Education Association, shared insights into how AI can support sustainable talent management. Wu discussed how Realix.ai uses AI to analyze employee data, identify skills gaps, and align employees’ growth paths with corporate sustainability goals, thus enhancing retention and promoting a sustainable workforce. Wu emphasized the value of transparency and personal growth, stating that empowering employees aligns with long-term sustainable practices.
Paul Lam, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Finance at BOT Auto, provided insights from his background in renewable energy investment and autonomous trucking. Lam discussed BOT Auto’s focus on reducing emissions in logistics by using autonomous trucks to improve fuel efficiency. Lam underscored the importance of combining environmental goals with practical business outcomes, noting that while sustainability is important, it must align with engineering and economic feasibility to drive tangible results.
Jyotirmaya Patro, an MBA+MS student and a leader in digital technology and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), spoke on empowering youth in sustainability-focused entrepreneurship. Patro highlighted the role of mentorship and funding support for young entrepreneurs who aim to create socially impactful solutions. He emphasized the importance of pursuing projects that balance innovation with ethical standards, encouraging youth to adopt a "fail-fast" approach to validate ideas quickly.
Jack Huang, an Advisor at the Centre for World Citizens, joined online to share his experience in the United Nations' SDG projects and how technology can serve vulnerable populations. Huang cited examples of AI projects aiding refugee camps in Kenya by optimizing energy needs and providing reliable access to resources. He stressed the importance of young entrepreneurs actively engaging with communities to understand their needs and deliver impactful solutions.
Jacob Tomas, Founder & CEO of MSC and Co-Founder of Future Vision, shared the development of SDG Hero, a project that gamifies the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for young audiences. Using AI to enhance accessibility, SDG Hero has reached children globally, including refugee camps, making sustainability education interactive and enjoyable. Tomas emphasized that AI can break down complex sustainability topics, making them easier for younger generations to grasp and act upon.
The panel concluded with advice for young entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of balancing ambition with ethical and sustainable considerations. Panelists encouraged youth to focus on real-world challenges rather than following industry trends, aiming to bring long-lasting change through technology-driven solutions that prioritize both people and the planet.